Thanksgiving in Wisconsin

Just wanted to give a quick update of what's been up lately. Lots of stories to tell between the last time I posted and now, but I think I am going to go with one experience I had talking to my 7 year old little brother yesterday.


First, I'll go over what I've been up to since the last update.

Not much. Ha. I mean, Greg and I cleaned out our apartment, with plans to move into his brand new house here soon, which should be pretty great. I'm pretty excited, and can only imagine how excited Greg is. Good luck to any ladies we bring back there. I mean, really.

I spent a few days in Fort Lauderdale for work. I love Florida, and the people there. I don't understand why people live in California. Sure, Hurricanes suck, but you get a warning. The water is warm. There are gators to go and see. Real Estate is cheap. I think I'll be one of those Jews who move to Florida one day.

I'm on a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Again, right now. Have a few more days there to meet with dealerships. I'm hoping the visits are more productive than my last ones. People are so laid back out here, so it's hard to push business. We'll see how it goes.

I spend Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. Dinner at both Dad and Mom's. Both meals were awesome, spending time with everyone was great. Even got a night with John and Beardo, which was great, even though we didn't do much. But what more can you ask for than hanging out with your best friends? John was worried that I was bored, but, I can't think of anything I'd rather do with those two. Just hang out. Sure, we could have gotten black out drunk, but I'm two weeks sober, and trying to make it to the end of the year. So maybe on New Years!

Anyway, back to my story with my little brother, Nick. I picked him up from school Monday at 3. Surprised him with him getting to choose whatever he wanted to do. He decided first on a movie, so we got on the road.

This is when we started talking about his "girlfriend." I asked him what he did at school, and he went strait to her.

"I gave her bunny ears at recess."

"Oh yeah? That's awesome. That's how it is when you are young! You love to tease the girls you like! What does she think of it?"

"Oh she doesn't really care, so I asked her, "What DO you care about?" because I am going to find out, and do the opposite.

I love it. There are a lot of guys out there who'd say this is exactly how you get girls. Give them the exact opposite of what they say they want. It cracked me up. My little brother is awesome, and he is going to be quite the ladies man one day.

Hell, he already is.

He went on to tell me that he dreamt that they were married, and they kissed a lot. Considering he is 7, I said, "Ew! Kissing!?" He said, "Yep. On the mouth, and I liked it, that's why I want her to be my girlfriend."

So I told him that was awesome, to slow down, and to have as many girlfriends as he wanted. Also gave him a box of condoms, just in case. Well, the condom thing isn't true, but, seriously, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

I love Nick. Maya was awesome too. A little scared and shy the first day, but warmed up to me pretty quick, as long as I do whatever she wants. After Thanksgiving dinner, she told me, "Hey Derek! Clean this up!" pointing to the entire table. So I started cleaning, but eventually got distracted talking to my Dad.
"Derek! Hey! CLEAN THIS UP!" Bossy little Maya. She's so cute. And yes, I finished cleaning off the table.

November is going to be a good month...

Sure, there are a lot of the same old things that will be going on. Like work trips, time with friends and such, but there's the beginning of the holiday season on the horizon!

This weekend, as long as I have someone to go with me, I should be able to make a drive out to
California for a soccer match, but at the same time, I'll be able to see my Dad, brother, nieces and nephews. It's been a few months since I have seen them, and I am sure I'll get to play a little football too!

At the end of the month, I should be able to spend about 5 days in Wisconsin for Thanksgiving with my Mom, her boyfriend, my Dad, sisters, brother, step mom, and John! It feels like forever since I have seen them. Sure, it's only been 7 months, but really, that's one of the longest times I've been away from then in quite awhile. I really am excited to spend a few days with them all :)

Also, the big interview is on Thursday. The nerves are starting to stack up, but I have a a decent plan to put together a presentation for that interview. I think I'm the right guy for the job, and I think I can do well at it.

I'm very, very excited for the chance to move up, and make myself more useful to eBay. I even have a lovely friend that's willing to keep my mind off
The big interview the night before, so I don't burn out with nerves!

Anyway, here's to what should be an epic November. I'll update in December to let you know how things panned out, but heck, if all I get to do is play with Nick and Maya, I think I can consider it a success. Love those sweet kids. Never thought I'd have to say "they are growing up too fast" before having kids, but, my little bro and sis ARE growing up so fast. I'm so thankful for them and the rest of
The family. So so thankful.

Obviously, life really IS all about enjoying, and being thankful. Simple.